Croshere Steps Up For Pacers

Scores Career-high 22 Points Off Bench In Game 1 Win

INDIANAPOLIS — Austin Croshere was rather inconspicuous for the Pacers in last year's Eastern Conference finals.

Tuesday night he took center stage.

Croshere scored a career playoff-high 22 points off the bench to lead a balanced attack as Indiana rolled past the New York Knicks 102-88 in the series opener.

Croshere, a third-year forward from Providence, made 7 of 10 field goal attempts, including 4 of 5 from three-point range. He scored 11 points in the fourth quarter, when Indiana pulled away.

"This was my first year of playing this many minutes and I like it," Croshere said. "I have to adjust and take advantage of the time. And I think my teammates have developed a trust in me."

Last year, Croshere rode the bench behind Antonio Davis and Sam Perkins, as the Pacers lost in six games to the Knicks.

Davis was traded and Croshere took advantage of his opportunity in training camp.

"I told him that [Marcus] Camby was their X-factor last year and [Croshere] was going to have to do something this year," said the Pacers' Reggie Miller.

"Austin played an overall good game," said Pacers coach Larry Bird. "His No. 1 job is to keep Camby off the boards, which is a tough assignment for anyone."

Bad feelings: Miller doesn't try to conceal his feelings about the Knicks.

"I hate them." the veteran guard said before the Eastern Conference Finals.

Tuesday night's series opener did little to assuage his sentiments.

"They always think they're bigger and badder than everyone," Miller said Monday. "And we know they don't give us any respect. So why should I give respect or like someone that doesn't give us respect?"

When Bird was asked if he hates the Knicks, the former Celtics great said it was hard for him to get angry with a team "when I have more championship rings than they do."